~ Noemí ~
by Katia N. Ruiz
Disclaimers: See Part 1
If you have comments, non-destructive comments, of course, send me an email at Passionatetyger@aol.com.
Author Comments at the end of Part 1
Noemí
[Part 7 - Conclusion]
By Katia N. Ruiz
Copyright 2000, 2002
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Anthony slammed down the phone, growling. He had been checking his funds at his bank, and they were low. He only had about a hundred thousand dollars left, and the expense of his hotel room and gambling would take care of that in a couple of months' time. He had been in Vegas for about three weeks already and he had to have the best room in the Caesar's Palace Hotel; the room had to be big enough for him to be able to have parties.
Many vacationing young women had passed through his room, impressed by the amount of money he waved around and the lavishly expensive room he had in one of the best hotels in Las Vegas. Of course, they wanted him to spend lots of money on them, and he sure did, wanting them to return. Gambling, he'd lost about thirty thousand dollars already, and would keep loosing if he continued.
He thought about how good he'd had it before Terri came along and took it from him. "That bitch," He snarled. The thought of returning home and begging his father for forgiveness had crossed his mind, but that meant he'd have to marry Terri and that was not an option. He would never tie himself down to a woman for some brat. He should have stayed away from her from the beginning, as her initial attitude had warned him.
Terri had been a challenge, just as ready to sock him across the head than to let him even say hi. He worked hard at getting her to trust him, to consider him her friend. He couldn't deny to himself that Terri was a fine specimen to behold, if you looked past the frumpy clothes and attitude. Oh yeah, he had wanted her, but only because she rejected his advances. He always knew how far to go with that, and when he took her out for her birthday and got her drunk, he knew it was his chance. She had struggled at first, especially when he entered her, but then seemed to deflate, her eyes closed, her face thrown to the side.
Terri hadn't let him back for many days after that, only when he groveled and promised repeatedly that he wouldn't just leave, did she let him back in to her apartment. He made sure he brought birth control with him, and made sure she took it every day. He frowned as he thought of the day she told him she was pregnant. He felt his world collapse around him, and Noemí's name kept popping up in his head.
Noemí would kill him if she found out, was his first thought, knowing Noemí's reactions to his problems. When she had bailed him out of jail a few months before, she had smacked him across the face many times, and he didn't dare retaliate. The fury in her eyes had him almost pissing his pants; Victoria's hand on Noemí's arm was the only thing keeping him from getting a good socking. His sister was very strong, and though he could probably beat her up, she would not go down by herself.
He would have to call his father and talk to him about the rest of his inheritance; it had to be ten million at least. He would get it out of him, even if he had to use the brat as leverage.
♦
Noemí leaned against her desk, gazing out the window. There was a small smile on her face, and her eyes were distant as she remembered the weekend. She and Terri had basically spent it in bed, engrossed in each other, and when the baby woke, playing with her.
She sighed softly, shoving her hands in to her pockets and missing Terri and Imogene deeply. On Monday morning as Noemí was leaving for work, she'd stood by the door with Terri in her arms for a long time. Their kisses were passionate, and Noemí was definitely not ready to go. She could sense Terri hadn't wanted to let her go either, and it took a lot of false starts before she was finally able to walk away.
Noemí never imagined she could feel this way again, this expansion of her heart and mind, the warmth. When she'd held Terri in her arms, their mouths locked and their bodies pressed together, she felt like the weight of the earth could rest on her shoulders and she could run up a mountain with it. She closed her eyes at the memory of the sweet taste of Terri's wetness, the sound of her moans as Noemí feasted on her, the feeling of her thighs pressing against the sides of her head as her body surged upwards towards her mouth.
Shaking her head, Noemí brought herself back from her lustful musings. She shivered slightly, taking a deep breath. She couldn't wait to get home that night and just have Terri again. Smiling softly, Noemí reached for the phone.
Terri picked up the cordless on the third ring, splashing water onto Imogene's full tummy. "Hello?" She grinned down at her daughter, whom she had leaned back on the little tub and bathed gently. She had taken off her shirt and stood bare-chested to avoid getting wet.
"Hi," Noemí said softly, sitting down on her chair and closing her eyes. The sound of Terri's voice made her miss her all the more, if it was possible.
"Hey, you!" Terri exclaimed, glad to hear her lover's voice. "I've been thinking about you all morning." She soaped a little rag and began to brush it gently over her baby's tummy. Imogene kicked her bare feet, splashing her mother.
"I'm glad to hear that, I've been doing the same about you." Noemí whispered into the phone, and could hear the water splashing. "What are you doing?"
"Giving the baby a bath," She said, tucking the phone between her shoulder and ear. "She puked all over herself." She chuckled, lifting the baby up and turning her around slightly to wash her back.
Noemí's nose wrinkled as she laughed softly. "Glad I wasn't there for that moment," She said, and then sighed. "I wanted to let you know that I miss you, and that I'm going to visit my parents for a little bit before coming home. I haven't really seen them much since the baby was born."
Terri smiled. "I understand," She said. "I'm going to see if Imogene will fall asleep, then I can paint a little."
"I can pick her up if you want and take her with me to see them." Noemí offered, knowing that if she came home, she'd never leave.
Terri thought the same thing, and laughed softly. She lifted the baby up off the little tub and wrapped her in her little hooded towel, walking out of the bathroom into the bedroom. "You know that if you come home you're never going to see your parents, so I recommend you go see them and then come home. We have all evening after that." She said seductively, and grinned when she heard Noemí sigh.
"You're right," Noemí conceded. "So I'll see you tonight, alright?"
"Yes," Terri said. "And I'll miss you terribly in the meantime."
Noemí grinned as they hung up, leaning back on her chair and looking up into the air. Paula found her like that and smiled when it took her a couple of tries before getting her boss' full attention.
♦
"Hey, dad," Noemí said, walking into her father's study.
Thomas looked up from the large book resting on his desk. With a smile on his face, he stood up and walked around his desk, arms open to hug his daughter. She went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, squeezing. "Hi, honey," He said. "How is everything?"
"Everything is great, dad," Noemí replied, pulling back slightly to look at him. "But I have to talk to you about something."
Thomas looked his daughter over worriedly, trying to find any sign of unhappiness, but found none. He let her go and gestured for her to sit down, doing the same. "What's going on?" He asked gently, eyeing her intently.
Noemí looked down at her lap, hesitating, glad her father was not pressuring her. "I've fallen in love again, dad." She said softly, looking up at him again.
Thomas wasn't sure what he should say, but he was sure that the grin spreading across his face said enough. My daughter is in love again! He thought ecstatically, leaning forward. "So," He said gently, leaning forward and gazing into eyes so much like his. "Who is the lucky woman?"
Noemí swallowed hard, wiping her sweaty palms against her thighs. "Terri." She said quickly, looking away.
Thomas sat back and took a deep breath, staring at his daughter in stunned silence. He thought back to New Year's Day, when Terri had given birth, and the state of mind Noemí was in. He had attributed her declaration of love for Terri to be part of her nervousness. She had been so agitated that he hardly paid mind to her words, more worried that his daughter would have a nervous breakdown. After a long moment, he licked dry lips and nodded slowly, gazing at her with wide blue eyes. "This is a surprise, Noemí." He said gently, and after a long moment, he asked: "Does she feel the same?"
Noemí looked up at her father, surprised that he hadn't had a fit. Not that Terri had ever given him doubts about herself; she was a good woman, and everyone knew it. "She hasn't said it." She said slowly, crossing a leg over her knee and clasping her ankle.
"I just don't want you to get hurt." He said softly.
Noemí nodded, smiling at him. "Dad, just the fact that I can love again," She paused, shaking her head slowly. "I never thought I would feel this way again, I never thought I'd feel alive."
Thomas nodded, feeling tears fill his eyes. "I know," He said huskily, so happy to see the light in her daughter's eyes again.
"If she doesn't love me back, I don't know what I would do; but I rather not think about it." She ran a hand through her hair. "All I know is that she makes me feel," She closed her eyes, leaning her head back against the backrest. "I can't explain it."
"I understand, Noemí," Her father said, smiling at her. "I suspect I know what it is. The same way I feel about your mother, I'm sure."
Noemí smiled at her father, nodding. "Speaking of, where is mom?" She asked.
"Gone shopping for the baby's baptism," Thomas said, smiling.
Noemí scowled. "Baptism?" She repeated, standing up. "I haven't heard anything about a baptism. Did she ask Terri about it? Maybe she forgot to tell me."
Thomas chuckled, shaking his head. "She hasn't said anything to Terri yet," He said, humor in his voice. "And you know your mother."
Noemí's face cleared, and she laughed softly. "Yes," She said. "I guess it's my duty to let Terri know, eh?" Her father nodded. Laughing and shaking her head, she stood up and went towards the door, stopping and turning towards her father. She hesitated, swallowing visibly. "Have you heard anything from Anthony?" She asked slowly.
Her father smiled comfortingly. "That scares you doesn't it?" He asked gently, and his heart reached out to her as she nodded. "I haven't heard anything yet. Last I heard he was in Las Vegas, gambling his money away. I should hear something soon, I think."
Noemí frowned, her head cocking to the side. "Where are you getting this information from?" She inquired, curious.
"Martha. She thought she should warn me of his impending return." He chuckled; he knew there was no love lost between his niece and his son.
Noemí nodded. "Caesar must be keeping track of him then." She said quietly. "I'm going now, dad, tell mom I love her for me."
"Okay, honey," He said. "See you tomorrow."
"Yes," She said, smiling and walking out of the study.
♦
"Why all this poop, eh?" Terri asked gently, her nose wrinkling at the smell of another dirty baby diaper, which she had thrown on the floor next to her bed. Her daughter was a poop machine. She'd even asked Travis about it, and he said it was normal for babies as young as Imogene to poop a lot after each breastfeeding. Terri grinned down at her staring daughter, wiping her clean and putting another diaper on. "You have beautiful eyes, Imogene. They're going to be just like Noemí's." She whispered, seeing the deep resemblance between her daughter and her lover.
Once finished putting Imogene's clothes back on, Terri gently gathered her daughter into her arms and went towards the living room, where she sat her back down her rocking chair. Sitting down, she picked her pad and pencil up from the coffee table, opening it. With a last smiling glance at her dozing daughter, she began to sketch. Not much later, she heard the sound of keys jiggling on the other side of the front door. She leaned forward and covered a now sleeping Imogene with her little blanket.
Noemí stepped into the apartment, an arm behind her back, and kicked the door closed gently. "Hi," She whispered, looking over at the sleeping infant, her smile widening even more.
"Hi," Terri whispered, standing up slowly, a welcoming grin on her face. Her eyes concentrated so much on Noemí's face and eyes that she never noticed the hidden hand. She held her breath and felt her heart stop as Noemí neared, a soft smile curving her lips. She stared up at her mouth, remembering what those lips had done to her body. I'm branded, She thought fleetingly.
Noemí pressed her lips onto the smaller woman's, kissing slowly and deeply. She brought the bouquet of roses around and holding them up close to their faces. She felt Terri sniff, and grinned when the younger woman pulled back slightly to stare at the roses.
Terri's eyes went back and forth from the roses to Noemí's eyes. She reached for them, her heart blooming, and sniffed them, closing her eyes. Smiling up at Noemí, she said: "I'll be right back; I'm going to put them on water."
Nodding, Noemí sat down in front of her sleeping niece. "I love you so much, Imogene, and I love your mommy. I hope she can love me too." She whispered, gently touching a tiny closed fist with her index finger. When Terri returned to the living room, Noemí stood back up and kicked off her shoes and loosened her belt.
Terri's eyes never left her lover as she placed the vase with flowers on the coffee table. Straightening back up, she turned to her and started pulling Noemí's shirt up out of the waistband of her slacks. She smiled up at Noemí. "How are your parents?" She asked, beginning to unbutton Noemí's shirt.
"They're fine," Noemí said quietly. She was thoroughly enjoying Terri's attentions, and she gazed down at her with a gentle smile. "We have to talk about my mother."
Terri looked up at Noemí, curious. "Is something the matter?" She asked worriedly.
Noemí chuckled, shaking her head. "No, but I just want to warn you that my mother is making plans without your knowledge." She said, trying to hold back a smile. She lifted her hands to the smaller woman's shoulders and gently kneaded.
Closing her eyes and throwing her head back, Terri grunted softly. "What are you talking about?" She asked, distractedly. Noemí's massage felt too good.
Staring at Terri's lips, Noemí could feel herself warming up. "My mother is shopping for a baptism for Imogene." She whispered, leaning forward and pressing her lips against Terri's, feeling an electric-like surge up and down her spine.
Moaning softly against Noemí's lips, Terri wrapped her arms around Noemí's waist under her shirt. "Baptism," She whispered when Noemí pulled her lips away and began to caress each side of her neck with gentle hands. "I didn't know your family was religious…" Her voice trailed away when she opened her eyes and met Noemí's, getting lost in their passion.
Noemí's lips curled into a teasing smile. "They're not," She said softly. "Just tradition." Her fingers threaded through the back of Terri's hair and pulled her forward for another kiss.
Climbing into bed, a naked Noemí moved into Terri's waiting arms. She had just placed a deeply asleep Imogene in her crib, and she hoped she wouldn't wake again; getting the baby to fall back asleep after her nap had turned out to be a nightmare. Sighing softly at the feel of smooth skin pressing against hers, she smiled as Terri wrapped her arms around her neck and pulled her close. "Can I ask you something?" She asked softly, wrapping her arms around the other woman and pushing her onto her back.
"What?" Terri said lazily, nuzzling Noemí's neck.
"What was the other reason for you leaving your home?" She asked softly. The question had been on her mind since that conversation months ago, but the novelty of lovemaking with Terri had made her forget it.
Terri stiffened in her arms. "Talk about ruining the mood." She said, trying to pull away.
Noemí held on to her. "I'm not trying to ruin the mood, but we're closer now than we've ever been." She explained gently, making Terri pause. "Look at us; you're lying naked in bed with me. You've let me do things to you you've never done to yourself. If you don't trust me by now, will you ever?"
Terri pulled her head back to gaze at Noemí. A smile played at the corners of her lips. Noemí was right. "You're right," She said, to Noemí's surprise. "But you still know how to ruin a mood."
Noemí chuckled, kissing Terri's forehead gently. "And I know how to bring it back, trust me." She joked. "So, will you tell me?" She asked seriously.
Terri nodded, burying her face against Noemí's shoulder and taking a deep calming breath. After a long moment, Terri, grateful that Noemí was patient, began to talk. "When I was fourteen, Kevin, the youngest of my brothers tried to rape me." She said softly.
Noemí tensed, anger and outrage making her grind her teeth.
"He'd gotten drunk for the first time," Terri continued, eyes closed and remembering that time when her brother first broke her trust. "He was nice to me before that, he stood up for me many times against dad and my brothers. We used to talk and play together when we were younger. Until this one day my brothers took him out and got him really drunk."
Noemí was listening intently, angry beyond words. She ran a hand comfortingly up and down Terri's back.
"He came home stinking like booze and went into my room, he got mad when he tried to hug me and I pushed him away. Apparently, dad had been talking to him about man-haters, dykes, and how to cure them. So he added two and two and came up with twenty, assuming I was one too. It seems dad thought a good fuck would cure that." Terri took a deep breath, pausing.
"That bastard!" Noemí growled, tightening her arms around her lover.
"This went on for about seven years, but he was always too drunk and clumsy to get anywhere." Terri continued in a whisper, her hand caressing Noemí's side slowly. "That last time he almost did, he tore half of my clothes off and everything. I managed to knock him out with a vase of flowers. I left with some money from my father's safe and never went back." She shivered and closed her eyes.
Noemí kissed the top of her head, feeling tears burning her eyes. When Terri lifted her face up, Noemí kissed her lips gently. "I'm so, so sorry." She whispered hoarsely.
Terri pulled back and looked up at her, confused. "Why?"
"My brother finished it, didn't he?" Noemí asked, her voice low. "He came along and took what he wanted."
Terri frowned. "I didn't really fight back, I didn't any fight left," she said softly. "He probably thought I wanted it."
"You were drunk!" Noemí exclaimed. "Don't excuse him! He took what wasn't his and then left you when he could have helped you."
Terri sat up and touched Noemí's chest gently. "This probably sounds fucked up," she whispered. "But if he hadn't done what he did, I wouldn't have Imogene… or you."
Noemí sat up too, covering the hand on her chest with her own. "I know," she whispered, looking into Terri's eyes. "But at what expense?"
"None," Terri said slowly, increasingly mesmerized by Noemí's passionate icy looking eyes. "I'm strong, I moved past it; for my sake, for Imogene's sake."
Noemí smiled tentatively, taking a deep breath. "If I ever see him again, I'm going to bash his face in." She said slowly. "That's all I have to say."
Terri nodded, smiling as she moved towards Noemí, wrapping her arms around her neck and pulling her close again. "Okay," she breathed as she felt Noemí respond by wrapping her arms around her waist, her breathing increasingly heavy. "But right now I want you to do other things."
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Natalie held the baby in her arms with such love. She kissed her cold chunky cheek and did a tiny raspberry. "Oh my goodness, she's so beautiful!" She exclaimed, bringing her into the house. Noemí and Terri followed her in, hugging Thomas and René. René reached for their coats, and walked off with them.
When she returned, her eyes never leaving the baby, she said to Natalie in a pleading voice: "Can I undress her, Natalie?"
Natalie grinned at her friend and handed her the child, who was holding herself stiff inside the full body coat. René walked off with the child in her arms, cooing to her.
"It's my turn next time." Natalie called after her jokingly, and turned to her daughter and Terri. "Come in, girls, everyone else should be here in about a half-hour." She said, throwing an arm over Terri's shoulder and grasping her daughter's hand. "Let me warn you, every single one of them is in love with little Noemí, and they will fight to carry her." She laughed softly, guiding them to the living room. She had organized a little family get together for after the baby's baptism. Imogene had been baptized the previous night, but Natalie was smart in planning the get together for the next day, Saturday.
"Victoria called; she and Michaela should almost be here. Charles and Andrea should be coming along any minute." Thomas said to Noemí, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Noemí nodded. "What is going on with her and Michaela?" He inquired of her as Terri and Natalie moved ahead of them into the living room. They stopped and stood facing one another.
Noemí shrugged her shoulders beneath her thick sweater and smiled at him. "Vicki's in love with her, dad," She explained, shoving her hands into the pockets of her slacks and meeting his eyes. "She doesn't know how to tell her, she goes speechless every time she tries to say it. She's never been in love in her life, so she has never been in the situation of talking from her heart." She shook her head.
Thomas shook his head too, taking a deep breath. "Have you tried to talk to her?" He asked, pushing his hands into his pockets also. "Her father's talked to me, he's very worried. He and Andrea love Michaela, and Michaela has talked with them. She loves Victoria and she's told her, but Victoria can't seem to open up, so Michaela's frustrated and afraid that she doesn't love her that way. Charles and Andrea can only do so much to appease her." He looked seriously at his daughter. "Have you tried to talk to Victoria?" He asked again.
Noemí nodded and looked at him with an amused smile. "Yes, I have," She said, reaching up with a hand to push her growing hair away from her forehead. "She doesn't' know what to do. She doesn't want to loose her. Every time I tell her to tell Michaela how she feels, she just about has an anxiety attack. I can only talk to her about it so much; I don't want to scare her."
Thomas smiled fondly at his daughter and then looked at her closely. She seemed so relaxed, even her shoulders had lost their rigid tenseness. Her face had softened in the past couple of months, and her smiles came more readily, reaching her eyes. "How are you?" He asked softly.
Noemí smiled at him. "I'm doing great." She said in a low voice, looking happy indeed. "I love her more every day, dad. She's bewitched me." Her smile was dreamy.
Thomas reached over and pulled her into a gentle embrace. "I'm so happy for you, darling." He said with deep feeling, then pulled back and gazed at her for a long moment. "Has she told you she loves you, dear?" He asked her, knowing from the way Noemí talked that Terri had probably not dared say it yet. But he could see it in Terri's eyes that she did; he could see it in the way Terri gazed at Noemí when she thought no one else was looking.
"No, dad, she hasn't said a thing." She answered, looking doubtful. "I think she does, I just don't know how much. I don't know if she's in love with me." She shrugged, and smiled wryly. "I'm hoping she is, though. There's no doubting that she's attracted to me."
Thomas squeezed her shoulder gently. "She loves you, honey, I'm sure. You'll see, she'll tell you." He reassured her and paused. "And when are you telling your mother?" Noemí had been thinking about that for a long time, ever since she told her father. Her father had reacted well, but she wouldn't know if her mother would take it as well.
Finally, taking a deep breath, Noemí answered: "Tonight, right now." On silent agreement, father and daughter moved on down the hall to the living room, where Terri sat holding the baby in her arms again, conversing with both René and Natalie. Noemí smiled at her and sat down beside her, slipping her finger into the baby's hand. "Mom," She said, taking a deep nervous breath and meeting her eyes. "There is something we have to talk about." René began to leave the room. "No, René, stay here, you should know too."
René turned around to look at them curiously, silvery dark curls settling around her face.
Natalie sat back on her chair, taking Thomas' hand as he joined her, sitting on the arm. "What is it, dear?" She asked, flicking her beautiful hair from her forehead with a graceful toss of her head.
Noemí looked at Terri, who was looking at her with wide eyes. "Well, uh," She stuttered, and then coughed. "Well, um, Terri and I, we are, uh-" She broke into a coughing fit.
Terri looked at Natalie, who was looking at them with question in her eyes. "We're lovers." She finished for Noemí, and watched Natalie's expression closely. Noemí had grown silent, and was staring at her mother with wide nervous eyes.
Natalie broke into sudden laughter. "That's what you're having a problem telling me, Noemí?" She laughed gently, standing and opening her arms to them. "Oh, honey, don't you know that I was hoping to the powers of this earth that Terri would wake up and see the light, as Victoria delicately puts it? You don't think I knew that you were feeling something strong for her?"
Noemí shook her head and laugh out loud, standing to hug her. "Oh, mom, thanks, I thought you'd have a fit." She said gratefully, kissing her cheek heartily.
Natalie swatted her shoulder gently as she pulled away, opening her arms to Terri and the baby. "I'm so glad you opened your eyes, Terri." She said, and kissed Terri and then the baby lingeringly on their cheeks. She then pulled back and met her eyes. "Is this for real?" She asked in a soft voice, feeling close to peaceful now that her daughter had possibly found a family. Something that she would have had had she not lost Amelia that horrible night.
Terri smiled at her and leaned forward, whispering close to her ear. "Yes, it is for real. I love her more than anything," She whispered with a grin. "But Noemí doesn't know it yet."
Natalie sparkled with laughter and took her grinning granddaughter in her arms just as the bell rang.
Noemí went to answer the door and returned with Charles and Andrea Terrence under each arm. They crooned at little Noemí, and each took her in his and her arms to kiss her gently. Noemí kissed Terri gently on the temple. "I love you." She whispered close to her ear, and Terri shivered at the feel of her warm breath against the sensitive skin of her neck.
Terri pulled back and touched her cheek softly with her hand, grinning up at her. She broke away when Andrea and Charles greeted them. Andrea, small like Terri, hugged her hello. Victoria got her dark eyes and soft curly hair from her mother; she was also thin like her mother, though much taller. Her height, she got from her father, who was tall like Thomas, and burly. He took Terri into his arms and kissed her cheek gently, pulling back and moving to Thomas. The doorbell rang, and René left the room to go open the door.
Victoria arrived with Michaela, and they moved to hug everyone. Martha arrived not much later, a date in tow. Despite the cold temperature, as always, she was dressed outrageously in a deep red sundress and red velvet army-style boots. Her hair was actually a little better styled this time, pushed forward, but dyed a bright red. Noemí moved to hug her, and eyed Martha's date with a smile. Completely the opposite of Martha, she wore a black vest over a white turtleneck shirt and black trousers with loafers. Thin-framed glasses were pushed low over the bridge of her nose and her hair was long and pulled back in a loose ponytail. She extended her hand to Noemí with a small smile. "My name is Tanya." She said in a perfectly polite voice.
Most definitely preppy, Noemí thought to herself as she shook her hand and introduced herself. "Pardon me if I'm rude," Noemí said with a grin, and looked at Martha. "Completely preppy if you ask me, I just thought you'd go for the punk rock type of woman, cousin. I wasn't prepared for a preppy woman."
Tanya laughed softly, and Martha grinned salaciously, saying to Noemí: "Well, you know what they say, Noemí. Opposites attract. Our sex is-"
Noemí interrupted, trying to hold back her laughter. "Might the mighty womanizer Martha have settled down already?" She feigned wide-eyed shock.
Martha swatted at her shoulder playfully. She moved closer to Tanya, who was blushing red, unused to their teasing banter, and took a hold of her arm. "Maybe." She fluttered outrageously colored eyelids at Tanya, in a dreamy fashion, smiling grandly.
Both Noemí and Tanya laughed, shaking their heads at Martha. "You obviously don't know what you're getting into, Tanya." Noemí said, laughing as she shook her hand once again.
Tanya returned her shake firmly, shaking her head and saying: "Trust me; I do know what I'm getting into." She looked at Martha and then back at Noemí. "I'm hoping to settle her down a little; it's about time she grew up a little." She draped an arm over Martha's shoulders. "Oh, but trust me, I like her wild this way, but not all the time. At home, she is the saint; she doesn't even dress this way-"
"Nonsense," Martha cut Tanya off, wrapping her arms around Tanya's waist and pulling her close. "You met me this way, and this way I stay." She winked at Noemí and leaned towards her to kiss her cheek. "Say, why don't we go out later tonight? You, Terri, Vicky and Michaela. You know mom won't mind staying with the baby." She called Noemí's mother mom, having been very close to her in childhood since her own mother had died when she had been young.
Noemí shrugged, considering. "Sounds like a good idea to me." She said. "Let me talk to Terri about it."
Martha nodded, her suspicions confirmed. Noemí and Terri were lovers, as she had suspected when she visited a few days ago. The way their eyes met, and how they talked as a couple, made her suspect. "Great," She said to Noemí with another salacious wink, making her blush. "Let me know."
They moved towards the rest. Terri's back was to them, and Noemí slipped behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist, pulling her back against her. Terri's arms hugged Noemí's to her, and turned her face to smile at her. She pulled out of her arms and grasped her hand, excusing them from everybody and pulling her towards Thomas' study.
Inside, she closed the big oak door behind them and slipped into the heat of Noemí's arms slowly, wrapping her arms around her neck. They kissed slowly and deeply, loosing themselves in each other for a long time. Terri pulled her lips away slowly, and opened her eyes to gaze up into Noemí's heavy lidded eyes. "I missed you." She whispered, and kissed her again, fingering the strands of hair at the back of Noemí's head.
Noemí's arms around her tightened, and pulled her tighter against her body. Her lips were softly demanding, her hands on Terri's slender back caressed firmly. She was aware of Terri's chest pressing against her own, of her thighs pressed against hers. Their tongues met, and she pulled her lips away to look down into her eyes. "Mm, I want to make love with you, Terri." She whispered hoarsely, and felt Terri tremble against her, watching her close her eyes softly. "Do you think they'll miss us if we disappear for an hour or two?" She asked breathlessly, kissing her jaw line softly, moving down to kiss her neck.
Terri threw her head back and took a deep breath, and then she kissed Noemí's lips very softly. "I think they'll miss us, yes." She whispered against her mouth, clasping the back of Noemí's head, pulling her mouth harder against her own. She felt her teeth against her mouth from the force of their kiss, and shuddered in her arousal.
Noemí's hands were cupping her breasts, her thumbs caressing her nipples to life over the tight silk shirt. Suddenly, she stopped, and Terri moaned her complaint, pouting sensuously. "I want to show you my old room, when I used to live here." Noemí whispered, meeting her eyes mischievously.
Terri breathed through her mouth, breathless at the insinuation of lovemaking that Noemí's interest in showing her old room held. "I want to see it." She whispered, and Noemí read clearly that she wanted to make love at all costs.
Noemí held her hand as they passed down the hall and moved towards the stairs. Natalie was standing by the entrance to the living room, chatting with Martha. Noemí blushed as they both turned to look at her and Terri with teasing in their eyes. "I'm going to show her my old room, with my trophies and all, since you've kept it the same." She explained nervously, and pulled Terri up the stairs quickly, not missing the look Martha and Natalie exchanged.
"Don't take too long now, honey." Natalie called after them with a mischievous tone. They heard Martha giggle.
Closing the door behind them, Terri didn't have a chance to look around the room; Noemí's lips were upon her, her hands all over her body, inflaming her, commanding. She pressed her hands on Noemí's chest and pushed her back with all her will, feeling her own throbbing. Noemí leaned forward to kiss her again, but Terri pulled back, meeting her eyes. "I want to make love to you." She whispered, and reached towards the bottom of Noemí's sweater, pulling it up, signaling with her eyes to lift up her arms.
Soon, Noemí was standing with only her pants and shoes on, her sweater and T-shirt discarded onto her old desk's chair. Noemí moved to take Terri in her arms, but Terri pushed against her bare shoulders. "No, let me look at you." She whispered, her eyes wandering over Noemí's erect nipples and perfect breasts, over smooth and strong shoulders, over her perfect arms. "Oh God, Noemí, you're beautiful!" She gasped, and allowed her hands to touch Noemí's arms, squeezing wonderingly as her eyes took in the faint lines of her muscles. "You're so strong, baby." She whispered hoarsely, and moved forward to kiss her chest with soft lips.
The muscles of Noemí's arms and shoulders clenched as she threw her head back and groaned passionately. She felt Terri's tongue flick across the skin of her chest over each nipple, increasing their erectness and sending a stream of electric desire through her body. Silky hair teased her skin as Terri's tender lips suckled Noemí's nipples into her mouth. "Terri…" She whispered huskily, her voice trailing off as Terri pushed her down onto her bed.
Terri wanted to straddle her, but her skirt was too tight against her thighs. She lay on her, her lips possessing her nipples all over again, feeling them engorge against her tongue. She moaned softly, feeling Noemí's hands sift through her hair, her lips pressing against the top of her head, her low groan as Terri gently bit on Noemí's nipples, the clenching of her muscles as Noemí pushed her hips up against hers. Terri moved lower, kissing along her stomach softly, unbuckling her belt slowly. Noemí's taut stomach quivered as Terri's fingers deftly opened her slacks, pulling them and the boxers down quickly. Terri went down to her knees, her hands pulling.
Noemí could feel Terri's warm labored breath against her thighs, her tongue tracing the thin sensitive scars, her small soft hands reaching up to caress the insides reverently. This was the first time that Terri had gone this low on her body with her mouth, and it was driving her wild. She sat up suddenly.
For a second Terri thought Noemí had changed her mind about letting her touch her, but Noemí was bending down, yanking off her boots and the rest of her clothing. She was panting hotly, she lay back along the bed and pulled Terri on top of her again, kissing her passionately, tongue moving in an explorative fashion inside her mouth, her hands moving all over her body.
Terri groaned, pressing against her, aroused by the fact that she was fully dressed and Noemí wasn't. Suddenly, she slithered back down along Noemí's body, her mouth tasting and kissing her breasts, her taut stomach, lower… Noemí arched, her body trembling violently as Terri's explorative tongue caressed between her thighs firmly. Terri's long moan of desire sent the breath from her, her silky tongue made Noemí shudder and undulate her hips crazily up and down. She groaned loudly, her back arching, her hands reaching down and grasping Terri's head, pulling her mouth tightly against her wetness. Orgasm wasn't long in coming.
Terri tasted and explored hungrily, savoring the taste of her orgasm; aware of Noemí quivering against her tongue. Noemí lay spent across the bed when Terri climbed up from between her legs, her lips trailing kisses along her now sweaty skin. She lay beside her and kissed her neck softly, still tasting Noemí's essence on her lips. "You taste so good." She whispered passionately. "Why didn't you let me do this sooner?" Her hand stroked her still quivering stomach, her head rested against bulging biceps.
After a while, Noemí's breathing normalized and she turned her head to kiss Terri's lips softly, tasting herself on her. "I don't know. I didn't think you were ready yet, I guess." She whispered, stroking Terri's cheek with a tender finger. "I guess I was wrong."
Terri smiled and propped herself up on an elbow. "You need a shower now." She said, and kissed her face tenderly.
Noemí sighed contentedly, and kissed her lips briefly. "And you need to wash your face," She said teasingly, sitting up and looking at her. "And your hands, you smell like me now."
Terri licked her lips and around them as far as her tongue could go. "I love smelling like you, you taste so good." She whispered, moving forward to kiss her on the lips softly. She then pulled back and looked around the room, a sudden flush of embarrassment covering her pretty face. "Oh my God, I can't believe we just made love in your parents' house."
Noemí laughed, throwing her head back and slapping her palm against the bed. "Please! Do you know the women I used to bring in here before Amelia came along?" She said with laughter. "It seems I had a brothel going on in this house, with the traffic going in and out of my room." She shook with laughter, and Terri joined her.
"So you were a player, eh?" Terri asked, reaching over, draping her arm over her waist and stroking the line along her spine. She knew she had nothing to worry about.
Noemí moaned softly, shivering as Terri's fingers teased the line of her spine. "Oh yes," She said breathlessly. "And then I calmed down when I met Amelia, but I used to bring her here too, before we moved in together. So that means I just baptized you with my love." She winked at Terri and grinned.
Terri sat up and pushed her, making her stand up. She followed her off the bed, and wrapped her arms around her neck. "Go take a shower, honey; I can hear your family downstairs already. They're probably driving the baby crazy by now." She said with a chuckle. They began to lift Noemí's discarded clothing and Noemí searched in one of her drawers for a shirt or something she could wear to the bathroom. She found an old bathrobe, and they both left the room to go to the bathroom; Noemí to take a shower, Terri to wash her hands and her face. Not long after, Noemí's hair conspicuously wet and Terri's cheeks red with warmth, they went downstairs to be with Noemí's family.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Julie's in the City was full that night, sweaty bodies pressed together and moving to the music. Strangers danced together and enjoyed themselves as the music pumped into their ears and the drinks flooded their bodies. Noemí and Terri made their way through the throng of women towards the dance floor, followed closely by Martha and Tanya, then Victoria and Michaela. They found an area at the perimeter of the dance floor where they could all stand comfortably together; Victoria and Tanya went towards the bar to get some drinks.
It was already two in the morning, Michaela and Terri had insisted that they each be allowed stop at home so that they could change into more comfortable clothes. Noemí looked at Terri and thought her beautiful in the snug beige slacks and wool sweater that she had donned at home, her shoes were feminine black leather boots that Noemí had given her one day as a present. She had let her hair loose, and it flowed loosely over her shoulders and down her back.
Michaela had changed into blue jeans, one of Victoria's white dress shirts worn open over a tight black tank top and brown shoes. Victoria couldn't take her eyes away from her, even as she stood with Tanya at the bar waiting for their drinks, and Noemí noticed with a smile.
Martha winked at Noemí and turned to Tanya, taking the drinks from her hands and placing them on the high table that they managed to find. She pulled her towards the dance floor and into the throng of dancing women. Noemí watched as her cousin wrapped her arms around Tanya's neck and Tanya wrapped her arms around Martha's waist; they held each other closely and danced slowly despite the fast beat of the music.
Noemí felt a sudden urge to hold Terri and she grabbed her hand. She pulled Terri towards the dance floor, smiling at Martha and winking back. Terri hesitated, and looked around shyly; she'd never danced in public before, or with another woman. As she moved to take her into her arms, Noemí sensed her discomfort and paused, looking deeply into her eyes. "What's wrong?" She asked close to her ear, her hands on Terri's shoulders.
"I've never danced with another woman or in public, Noemí." Terri answered truthfully, bringing her mouth close to Noemí's ear.
Noemí laughed softly, wrapping her arms slowly around Terri's slender waist and pulling her close. "But you've made love with another woman, Terri." She said, kissing her gently on the temple.
"It's not the same." Terri argued, pulling back to meet her eyes, her arms resting on Noemí's broad shoulders.
The smile in Noemí's face was sensuous and patient at the same time; it relaxed the smaller woman. Noemí brought her lips close to Terri's ear again and began to move her hips against hers. "Yes," She breathed softly; feeling Terri's arms move slowly from her shoulders to wrap around her neck, she heard Terri exhale shakily as she began to surrender to her. "It actually is." She kissed below an earlobe very softly, dancing against Terri.
Her arms around Terri's waist pulled them closer together and she pressed her thigh between Terri's legs. "Just move your body against mine, be aware only of me, of my movements." She whispered huskily, closing her eyes tightly when Terri released a soft moaning breath. She brought her hands to Terri's hips, grasping them gently and firmly, at the same time pressing against her and dancing.
It didn't take long for Terri's desire to ignite, or for her body to match Noemí's sensuous movements. "You're a great dancer." She whispered into her lover's ear, allowing her body to be guided by Noemí and their desire. Her arms tightened around Noemí's shoulders and she ran her fingers slowly through her hair, feeling Noemí's hot mouth kissing her throat. "You're right," She gasped after a long moment of just feeling, her breath brushing the delicate skin of Noemí's throat, gasping again when Noemí's arms tightened convulsively around her. "Dancing is like making love. I want you so much right now!"
Noemí groaned softly against her shoulder, her eyes closed as she guided Terri in their dance, everything else ceasing to exist as their love and desire took over.
Michaela and Victoria watched them from their table, uncomfortable in their silence. Victoria's hand was on Michaela's shoulder, caressing gently. Michaela didn't seem to acknowledge the touch. It had been a few weeks that Michaela had been behaving coldly with Victoria, and Victoria knew it was because she still hadn't expressed that she loved her with all her soul. But Victoria didn't know how to, she'd never been the kind of person who talked of her feelings in that way. From time to time, she glanced over at Michaela with a look in her eyes that betrayed her feelings.
I'm losing her, she thought to herself, the pain at the thought killing her inside. If I don't tell her I love her, she'll leave me. I can't loose her, I can't! "Michaela," She said close to Michaela's ear. Michaela half-turned to look at her, question in her pretty eyes. Touched deeply by Michaela's eyes, Victoria leaned forward again and said shakily, her voice breaking with tears: "I need to speak to you."
The way Victoria said this made Michaela look at her for a long moment with narrowed questioning eyes, trying to read her expression. The pain she saw there made her instantly stand up and grab Victoria's hand, pulling her towards the front of the bar. They walked past the bouncer, and stepped out the door. Outside, Michaela pulled her a few feet away from the door of the bar and turned to face her, meeting her eyes. "What is it, Vicky?" She asked softly, moving closer.
Victoria wiped the tears from her eyes and took a deep breath. Michaela waited for her to compose herself, arms crossed in front of her as she stared at Victoria. Finally, Victoria said, her voice still broken: "I'm loosing you."
Their eyes met momentarily and Michaela looked away. She didn't deny it, which hurt Victoria more. She started to cry, turning away and wiping at the flowing tears on her cheeks with the back of her hand. She began to walk away, but Michaela reached out with a soft feminine hand, grasping her shoulder, pulling her into her arms. Victoria's arms wrapped around her and she pulled her close. She buried her face into Michaela's shoulder and cried like she never had, her shoulders shaking. Michaela closed her eyes and wrapped her arms tightly around Victoria, fingers brushing comfortingly through her hair. She couldn't stay withdrawn from Victoria's pain, as she'd tried to be for the past few weeks.
Victoria hands were clawing at her back, pulling her impossibly close. Her shoulders shook with her cries. "I love you!" She whispered raggedly, close to her ear. "I love you so much!"
Michaela burst into tears herself, her nails sinking into the back of Victoria's shirt, her mouth pressed against her neck. She held her for a long time, whispering sweetly into her ear, comforting her.
Victoria pulled back a little, meeting Michaela's eyes. "You just have to love me too, Michaela, you have to!" She croaked, biting her lower lip and closing her eyes. "I love you. I just didn't know how to tell you. And then you started to act cold towards me, and I didn't know what to do!" She pulled her into her arms again and kissed her deeply, feeling Michaela respond eagerly, tasting the salt of their tears.
Feeling intensely happy, Michaela kissed Victoria deeply, her body straining against her. Michaela tore her lips away from her lover's to whisper in her ear passionately: "I love you too, honey!" They kissed again, hard, wetly, breathing hard in the middle of the sidewalk, not caring. "I love you so much!" She moaned against her lips, eyes closed tightly, body trembling with happiness and desire.
Victoria's arms tightened almost painfully around her, and she pressed her face into Michaela's throat, kissing the scented skin passionately. "Marry me!" She whispered with a tiny moan, and Michaela gasped in surprise. "Please marry me!" Victoria begged.
"Yes!" Michaela burst out loudly, happy like never before. She cupped Victoria's head and pulled her back to kiss her mouth deeply. "I'll marry you, I'll marry you!" She mumbled against her lips as they kissed.
Victoria pulled back and yelled, laughing and crying at the same time: "She'll marry me! She'll marry me! Ha!" She never knew love could feel this way, when free and known. The happiness coursed through her body and she began to cry out with happiness, burying her face into Michaela's shoulder and shaking.
They stood outside, holding each other for a long, long time, until their companions emerged looking for them, concerned. Upon finding out the good news, Noemí happily ushered everyone back inside, intent upon treating them all to a drink and celebrating.
Before the door even closed, Noemí had pulled Terri into her arms, taking possession of her lips with a passionate kiss. Desire instantly re-ignited within Terri, the wetness between her legs grew intensely, and she wrapped her arms tightly around Noemí's neck. Their lips danced together passionately, their bodies strained together as they lost control of their desires. Terri moaned into Noemí's mouth, her body quivering against hers as they yanked off their coats.
Bending her legs, Noemí wrapped and tightened her arms around Terri's waist; she then straightened her legs and lifted Terri clear off the floor. Moaning again, Terri lifted her legs and wrapped them around Noemí's waist, heart fluttering as she heard the larger woman moan deep in her throat. Their breathing grew erratic as Noemí made her way towards the couch, where she sat down on the edge, holding Terri to her tightly. Terri pulled against the back of Noemí's sweater, yanking it upwards until Noemí took her arms from around her and frantically yanked it over her head, throwing it down somewhere. Terri lifted her arms in submission when Noemí pushed her sweater upwards, baring her beautiful slender torso and round hanging breasts.
With a loud animal-like groan, Noemí took a nipple into her mouth and sucked it passionately but gently. Terri's head fell back and she moaned, her hips jerking against Noemí's stomach. Noemí pushed her to her feet, unbuttoning her slacks quickly and yanking them and her underwear down to the floor. Terri stepped out of the pants and trembled when Noemí slid her fingers through the silken wetness between her legs with a low moan. Terri's legs weakened and she sat astride Noemí again, legs open wide to allow the slender fingers access to her heat.
With a groan, Noemí slipped her fingers inside Terri, who arched and tensed as her breath caught. "Mm, Noemí!" She gasped, riding the fingers deep inside her, hips undulating to meet the deep thrusts. Suddenly, Noemí stopped, taking her fingers away and wrapping her arms around Terri's waist. She stood, lifting Terri easily with her and felt her wrap her legs around her waist again, the intense wetness pressing against her stomach. She made her way quickly to their bedroom, her arms holding Terri up as Terri hung onto her with all her strength.
Terri lay on her side, breathing hard, her head resting against Noemí's muscled arm. She could feel Noemí's strong and smooth body pressed against her back and legs. She could feel her strong hand between her legs, still stroking her, as her silky lips caressed the back of her throat. She brought her arm up and around Noemí's neck, pulling their mouths together in a passionate kiss.
Noemí loved the way Terri felt against her body, the way her sweet smell mingled with the ripe scent of their sex and the bar, the smoothness between her legs yielding to her fingers. She could feel Terri's hips writhing, her body trembling, as she slipped a finger deep inside her wetness. She pressed her palm hard against the swollen folds and heard Terri release a long moan. "Terri," She whispered against the slack mouth, feeling the heat filling her own body from where her skin met Terri's. "Oh God, Terri. I love you!" She groaned loudly and began to move inside her, pressing her body against her back.
Terri arched, moaning as she felt Noemí's tongue imitating the movements of her fingers. She felt ready to explode, tightening more and more around the long fingers; she pulled away from Noemí's mouth to stare into her eyes. The love and passion in Noemí's eyes excited her more. She closed her eyes and began to tremble as her abdomen muscles fluttered in a prolonged orgasm.
They held each other under the spray of the shower; their lips made love the way their bodies did. "I can't get enough of you." Noemí whispered huskily against her throat, her hands caressing her smooth back and hips.
Terri's arms were around her neck, and she pulled Noemí's mouth down to her own. "I don't want you to ever get enough of me." She breathed, meeting her lips again. They kissed for a long moment.
"Mm, I don't think you have to worry about that." Noemí whispered hotly against her mouth, her hands cupping her buttocks and pulling her close. She felt Terri lift her leg against her waist, and she pulled her up, feeling her wrap both legs around her waist.
Terri moaned, burying her fingers in Noemí's hair, her arms on her shoulders. The heat between her legs was driving her wild and she drove herself forward against Noemí's hard stomach. "You make me want you so much!" She gasped as Noemí moaned and succumbed to her passion.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Money!
Anthony knew he needed money. He still had some, but not enough to last him forever.
He spent most of his money in Las Vegas, gambling, and returned to New York with what little he had left only a few days before. He had been staying in nothing less than a Suite at the Plaza Hotel before moving to a smaller scale hotel. Money was running very low, and he would soon be unable to afford to pay his stay at his hotel. He knew his father wouldn't give him money any more, because of his refusal to be responsible to Terri and her baby.
From Martha's call, he calculated that the baby had been born three months before, on January the first, and that it was a baby girl. He didn't much care what it was, really, what he wanted was money and he knew the way to get it was to get Terri to forgive him. He knew he had to feign deep interest in the wellbeing of his daughter, and to try to marry Terri. After that, his father would give him all the money he wanted.
Today, he would go to Noemí's house and seek Terri, using the excuse that he remembered Terri's birthday was next week, April twelfth, and that he could not stop thinking about her all the time he was gone. She would fall for it like all the others had, like she fell for his bullshit story that he would be there for her when she told him that she was pregnant.
Caesar told him that the child was a pure Leone, and that there was no doubt that she was his daughter. "So forget about the theory that she slept with somebody else." He snarled at his cousin, still pissed at Anthony for lying to him.
Caesar did not tell him that Terri was obviously in love with Noemí, a fact of which the whole family became aware and approved of, or that she would definitely not give him a single chance to say he wanted to be with her. Anthony was not aware that Caesar had begun to look at him as a jerk, just as he'd looked at his father as he grew up. Anthony was just like his uncle, Theodore Leone, may he rest in peace.
♦
The bell rang, and Terri covered the baby with her ever-present baby quilt, adjusting her little hat to protect her from the cold. Imogene sat quietly in a specially designed baby swing, staring up at her mother with wide and increasingly blue eyes. Sure that her daughter would be protected against a draft, she stood to open the door. She was momentarily surprised, but recovered quickly; she crossed her arms over her chest and glared. "What are you doing here?"
♦
Noemí drove home at a sedate pace, wary of the patches of ice on the road. She really wanted to speed home, to be with Terri and the baby. The past few months had been pure bliss, and she was grateful that she had been given a second chance in life. She remembered the dream she'd had that first night she and Terri had fully consummated their attraction; if it was even a dream. It was so real, and she felt so at peace afterwards, that she was pretty sure it was Amelia visiting to give her the go-ahead to live her life. Terri made her happy, and Noemí knew she was making Terri happy too.
If only she would tell me she loves me. Noemí thought, tapping her fingers rhythmically against the steering wheel. Now that would make my day. She grinned. Noemí had no doubt that Terri loved her, and she would wait as long as it took for Terri to be ready to say it. Sighing happily, she turned into her street.
As she drove up the street, she saw a familiar vehicle parked in her driveway, and she frowned. As she got closer and pulled in, she recognized Anthony's blue BMW and his license plate: GTTA¤ME.
She pulled into the driveway beside his car and climbed out of hers slowly, looking up at the house with wide eyes. A slice of fear made her shiver, a thousand questions rushed through her head: What if Terri wants to be with him now that she has his child? What if he's back to claim her and the baby? What would I do without them?
Her life would have less meaning than before; her heart would be completely broken. She pressed the button of her car alarm, and the resounding beep signaled it was active. She walked slowly to the door, biting her lower lip, almost expecting to find Terri in Anthony's arms when she walked in.
But to her immense relief, that was not the sight she found. Terri was standing by the couch, glaring down at Anthony with gray-brown ice, hands shoved into the pockets of her sweats.
Anthony sat on the couch, staring at the child sitting peacefully in front of him on the baby swing, staring at him as he stared at her. There was no expression on his face that Noemí could see, no unexpected love for such a beautiful child that was, whether he liked it or not, part of him. He looked up at Noemí, who had closed the door quietly, and smiled broadly, standing up and spreading his arms to her. Hesitantly, Noemí moved towards him and hugged him. He patted her back hard and kissed her cheek lingeringly. "I've missed you, Noemí." He said softly, with genuine feeling.
She pulled back and said nothing, disconcerted by his presence. "Why are you here?" She asked evenly, and walked around him to look at the sleeping child with obvious love. She was so shocked at his presence that the anger had still not surfaced.
Terri, during the time between his arrival and Noemí's, had been telling him to leave. She wanted to be alone with Noemí, knowing that they would make love over and over again tonight. Even the fact that he'd been gone for almost a year did nothing to her at that moment. Noemí made her happier than she ever thought she could be. Anthony was taking away from their happy moments. "Leave, Anthony." She said with greater emphasis, and her eyes met Noemí's for a quick second. In that quick look, she saw Noemí's fear and her anger at Anthony doubled.
He stared at her beseechingly. "Can't I see my daughter?" He asked with an oily voice he mistook for sincere. "I want to be a part of her life."
Noemí finally came out of her fearful stupor, her anger at him sparking. "Which means that you ran out of money," She stated and saw a flicker of something in his eyes before he masked it with feigned hurt feelings. Fucking bastard…
"How could you think that?" He said in a "hurt" whisper. Terri rolled her eyes and scoffed, and he turned his attention to her. "Oh Terri, I love you so much!" He continued quickly, taking a step towards her. "I haven't thought of anyone but you all this time. That's when I realized that-"
Noemí cut him off. "Cut the crap, Anthony, please." She said coldly, knowing he was lying.
"Don't get involved, Noemí, this isn't any of your concern," He said harshly, his eyes narrowed at her.
"Yes, it is." Terri surprised them all by saying.
Anthony frowned and looked at her for a long time. "Really? And why would that be?" He asked sarcastically. His attitude showed, as if both women didn't already know, that his words were lies.
Emboldened by Terri's honesty, Noemí answered him truthfully: "We love each other." Her voice was bold, her eyes challenging.
Anthony's confused frown turned into a scowl. He glared at them, and then his eyes narrowed. "I don't believe it." He said simply, convinced that they were lying, just trying to get him to leave.
Terri moved closer to Noemí and slipped her hand into hers. "That's your problem then." She said, and held Noemí's hands with both of hers, standing on the tips of her feet and kissing the taller woman's lips gently. They both stared at him as he stared back at them, shocked.
He shook his head and looked at them. "Is this what it was all about?" He asked Noemí suspiciously. "You wanted to get me out of the way so that you could take her into your house and then for yourself?" He said, laughing and nodding, sure of himself. Noemí stared at him, her eyes narrowed. "Oh, okay, well, you should have told me that's what it was, Noemí! Though I feel sorry for you, you know, she's not that good of a lay."
Noemí suddenly let go of Terri's hand and moved to him, grasping the front of his shirt and shaking him with strength that surprised him. "You have a lot of nerve thinking I'm like you, Anthony." She growled at him, and pushed him towards the door. Opening the door with one hand, she pushed him through. He stared at her with shocked eyes. She stepped outside after him and closed the door behind her back. "I'm not like you, you should know that." She said, pointing a finger at him. "I love her, like you never wanted to love her." She told him.
He glared at her, shoving his hands in his pockets. His thick blonde eyebrows reflected the sunshine as he scowled. "What about Amelia?" He asked sarcastically, knowing very well what her feelings for Amelia were like.
Noemí's expression didn't waver. "I'm at peace with Amelia, she loved me, and she would have wanted me to be happy, as I would have wanted her to be happy." She said. "I'm happy, Anthony, Terri fills me inside, and I love her for it. She fills all the wholes that were empty, and I love her all the more for that."
Anthony glared at her. "You're an idiot, Noemí," He growled. "Can't you see what she wants? She wants our money. She knows you're vulnerable, she knows you'd go for anything that got in front of you-"
In a burst of fury, Noemí swung before he could finish his sentence, her fist making firm contact with his face and sending him sprawling against her car. He brought a hand up to his bleeding lip and stared at her with surprised eyes. Without saying another word, she turned and stepped into her house, slamming the door between herself and Anthony.
As the door closed, Terri felt a sob rise in her throat. How Noemí didn't hate her for bringing this rift between her and her brother was a wonder. She sat on the couch in front of her daughter and stared at her, crying softly. When Noemí walked back into the house, she turned away, beginning to pick up her drawing notebook.
Noemí caught sight of the tears and renewed anger at Anthony washed through her. "Terri," She said gently, walking up to her from behind. Wrapping her arms around the woman she loved, she said: "I'm in love with you." And she meant it; she meant it from the first time she said it.
Terri tried to pull away from the warm embrace, crying out softly, but Noemí held on to her. "How could you love me?" She sniffed. "Just the other day you were still in love with Amelia. You could never love me the same way you loved her!" She knew she was being unfair, but Anthony's sudden intrusion into their bliss unsettled everything for her.
Noemí smiled softly against Terri's silky dark hair. "You're right, I can't," She said softly, tears springing to her own eyes when Terri began a renewed fight against her arms. "But it doesn't mean I will love you any less." Terri froze in her arms, and Noemí gently urged her to turn around. She met the younger woman's eyes and allowed all her emotions to show in her own. "I love you." She whispered.
Terri felt like her vocal cords were glued to her throat; she looked up and met Noemí's eyes. A surge of love so deep in her soul and strong made her throw her arms around the taller woman's neck. She felt Noemí lift her off her feet and pulled her head back to kiss her thoroughly. "Oh my God, I love you!" She whispered against Noemí's kissing lips, heart beating erratically.
Noemí felt tears prickle her own eyes at this revelation and she kissed Terri's mouth harder, her own mouth opening against Terri's as their tongues lavished attention on each other. She let out a whoop of delight, spinning them around.
Terri pulled her lips away from Noemí's, meeting her eyes. "I didn't know he was the one out there, I wouldn't have opened the door if I'd known. Don't be afraid, I want to be with you. I love you. I'm in love with you."
Noemí pulled back and gazed at her for a long time, tears filling her eyes again and spilling down her cheeks. She felt safe in the feeling of completeness and happiness now that Terri had been honest with her. "I love you too, baby. I'm so in love with you." She whispered tearfully, and drew her head down to kiss her again, passionately and deeply.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
"I need to see my father, René!" Thomas recognized his son's voice and he stood up, walking around his desk. Anthony barged into the study, looking around almost crazily, his eyes meeting his father's. He practically slammed the door closed on René's face. "I need to talk to you, dad." He said, looking disturbed.
Happy to see that his son seemed healthy, though a bit skinnier than the last time he'd seen him, Thomas gestured to a chair, and Anthony took it, sighing. "What do you need to talk about?" Thomas asked, grateful that Natalie was not here to interfere with their conversation with her unconditional motherly love.
"What is this with Terri and Noemí, dad? How could you allow them have a- a relationship?" He said disgustedly, his eyes following his father's return to his chair. "And with the baby around them, no less." He leaned forward on the edge of the chair.
Thomas studied his son closely, taking in more of the small changes. His hair was longer, fuller and still beautiful. His goatee had grown into a full blonde beard, making him seem older, though not taking away from his handsome features. His bulk was smaller, as if he hadn't been eating much. His stomach was a little paunchy, indicating to Thomas that he had been drinking a lot instead.
Thomas shook his head, his eyes narrowing. "They're fine, and that child will be better taken care of with Noemí than she would ever be with you." He said bluntly, meeting his son's eyes directly. He played with his pen, scribbling on a blank paper. "Noemí loves that child dearly, and so does everyone else, even before she was born she was loved. Do you even know what her name is?" He looked at Anthony closely.
Anthony stared at him and shook his head. "Noemí Imogene." He snarled, remembering Martha's phone call. That bitch. What made him angrier was that he knew he would get nothing from his father. He could see it in his face, eyes.
Thomas smiled at the thought of his granddaughter. He decided to go see them today after he dealt with Anthony. "Terri named her Noemí after your sister, because she was there for her." He said softly, and looked at his son again. "Now, what can I help you with, Anthony?" He asked pleasantly, if not a little coldly.
"I need more money." Anthony said quickly. He continued beseechingly, reading the angry expression in his father's eyes: "I swear I won't bother you ever again, dad. I'll invest, you know, with Cousin Mario, he's good and he can help me make the right decisions about it. That should keep me comfortable, and I won't bother you again, I swear."
Thomas stared at him for a long time, a finger over his lips, the others braced below his chin. "You disappoint me, Anthony." He said, and Anthony could hear the deep sadness in his voice. "Your mother and I spoiled you and your sister rotten, we did everything we could to keep you both happy, and in doing that, we created an irresponsible individual out of you." He looked at him for a long time, not saying anything. "Your daughter has just been born, and you want nothing to do with her, is that what you're saying?" He asked.
Anthony stared at his father for a long time, thinking quickly. "I'll give up my rights as her father if you give me money." He said suddenly, meeting his eyes.
Thomas' eyes narrowed and he looked at his son with palpable disgust. "Are you serious?" He asked in a bewildered whisper.
Anthony nodded; there was no expression of regret in his eyes. "I give up my rights as that kid's father, and you give me money, it's easy." He said with a shrug.
Thomas looked at him with a pained expression, not affecting Anthony in the least. "Are you that heartless?" He whispered softly, but his son did not reply. Thomas cleared his throat and shook his head, looking away from him. When his eyes returned to look at his only son, whom he was once proud to say resembled him, they were impersonal. "You weren't supposed to come back and ask for money after that initial deposit to your account." He said evenly.
Anthony shrugged, and looked away from Thomas. "Well, as your only son, I also deserve part of your fortune, dad." He said, looking at him again. "Whether I like it or not, whether you like it or not, I was part of the creation of that kid." He sat back, looking smug. "And you love her and Terri, and you want me to leave them, - and Noemí of course, so mentally weak that she is- in peace, so you'll give me what I want."
Thomas narrowed his eyes, and his fists clenched against the armrests of his chair. For a minute, Anthony thought his father would actually jump up and hit him. But Thomas just glared at him for a long time. "Alright." The older man said through clenched teeth, taking a deep breath. He reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a notepad, grabbing his pen and beginning to write.
Anthony edged forward on his seat and tried to see what his father was writing. "What are you writing?" He asked.
Thomas continued to write, not answering. When he finished, he read the note over. "Okay," he said, his eyes not leaving the pad. "This is a stipulation stating that you, Anthony Leone, after the following transaction of cash, will not make any attempt at all to get money from myself, Natalie, or your sister." He explained, looking at Anthony. "You will use that money to make a responsible investment, and if you so much as waste that money, or loose it in any irresponsible activity, you will have to work for it. No longer will you attempt to get money from any members of your family. Also, you will no longer seek Terri or the child Noemí for any reason, not to try to get money, not to mentally torment them." He pushed the notepad at Anthony, who stared at it as if it were a ghost.
"But- but-" Anthony stuttered, this was clearly not what he expected.
"I expect you here tomorrow afternoon," Thomas continued briskly. "I will have the family lawyer here with a notary public, and you will sign a legal affidavit stating that you release your right as the father of Noemí Leone-Bledsoe to her mother Terri Bledsoe, and the right to any Pasta Leone stock. Then I will give you the money." He looked at him for a long moment.
Anthony frowned; his father was more pissed than he thought. "Okay, okay. Just give me the money tomorrow; I'll sign anything you want. What time should I be here?"
Thomas shook his head in disgust and looked away. "Call at about twelve, I will give you a time." He answered, and said nothing as Anthony left his office without a word. It was hurting him deeply to cut his son loose like that, but he could not let him get away with the damage he'd already caused.
♦
"I cut him loose, really this time. Tomorrow he's going to come to the house and sign some release forms." Thomas explained about Anthony's visit that afternoon. "He's just thinking of the money, and he doesn't care that he will be giving up his right as a father to this beautiful baby." He held his granddaughter gently in his arms, her little chin resting on his shoulder.
Noemí crouched behind his seat, making sweet faces at the baby. Little Noemí cackled, kicking against his stomach excitedly, a bright smile on her beautiful face. Noemí laughed softly, making kissing noises and kissing her forehead playfully. She pressed her nose gently against the child's, nuzzling her chunky cheek tenderly.
"I don't want him near our baby." Terri said protectively, watching them.
Noemí stared, eyes wide, at Terri. She had never expected to hear that word, and the fact that Terri used it so naturally made her happy beyond words. She was speechless.
Thomas took note of the 'our' in Terri's words and the sudden silence behind him, and he smiled brightly. "Yes, but this child will grow into an intelligent little girl, and she will eventually ask about her father." He pointed out, patting the baby's back softly. He felt young again, like when he first held his daughter in his arms; she was so tiny then and had always been so endearingly beautiful. He loved Terri so much, for giving him this gift of a granddaughter.
Terri shrugged, as in a 'what can I do?' "I will tell her the truth, Thomas, what else can I do? I don't want to ever lie to her." She said, gazing at both Noemí's with intense love; love for a lover, and love for a daughter.
When Noemí first told him that she and Terri had become lovers, he was as shocked as the next person was. But when he saw how truly happy Noemí was when with Terri, and how truly happy Noemí made Terri, he decided that he would not object, and that he would love them both no matter what.
Natalie was way ahead of him; she had already been hoping that they would get together. She suggested the day after finding out that they get engaged, so that she could start plan her very first lesbian wedding, since she never got to do it for Noemí before. She also told Noemí to tell Victoria to marry that "nice girl Michaela, who loves her so much!" and that she would plan their wedding too, with her mother of course.
Thomas pulled the baby from his shoulder, grasping her gently right below her arms, swinging her little body like he used to swing Noemí and Anthony when they were babies. She laughed in her endearing way, pulling her tiny fist up into her mouth, suckling wetly. He grinned up at her, throwing little noisy kisses at her as he pulled her fist away from her mouth with his thumb. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Noemí move from behind him and sit beside Terri, kissing her gently on the lips. He could see she was full of joy, and was grateful to God for giving her a second chance. "When are you getting engaged?" He asked suddenly, and they looked away from each other to stare at him.
"I don't know." Noemí said hesitantly, sitting back comfortably. "I don't want to pressure Terri, really. If it were up to me, I would get engaged this minute, but she's new to this, and I want to give her time." She glanced at Terri, who was holding her hand, looking at her with wide eyes.
Thomas pulled the child back into his arms, cradling her against his ample chest. He looked down into her staring eyes tenderly, swinging her softly.
When he left, it was late in the afternoon, and already a little dark outside. Terri and Noemí stood by the front window, looking at his car driving away, the baby peacefully asleep in Terri's arms. Noemí stood behind Terri, her arms around her waist, her face pressed against the back of her head, inhaling her sweet strawberry scent with a sigh; she'd loved that smell from the first. She bent down and kissed her neck below her earlobe, feeling Terri tremble against her. "How long do you think the baby will be asleep this time?" She asked huskily, her hands cupping shapely hips and pulling Terri back against hers.
Terri moaned softly, and turned around to face Noemí. "I don't know, but can't we make the best of it?" She whispered suggestively, standing on the tips of her toes and kissing her lover's lips softly. She brushed past Noemí, walking quickly down the hall, mindful of the baby in her arms.
Noemí followed after her, unbuttoning her shirt and unbuckling her belt, eyes roving the slender body swaying in front of her. "Mm, remind me to fix my old room into a nursery for the baby. I'll start tomorrow." She said in a husky whisper, her eyes on Terri's sensuous buttocks, wanting to kiss them.
Terri laughed softly as they walked into their room, so happy that Noemí was truly moving on with her life. Months ago she wouldn't have even considered changing the bedroom she had shared with Amelia. "Yeah right," She called over her shoulder teasingly. "That is if you can keep your hands off my body long enough." Noemí left the door open, and Terri placed the sleeping infant gently in her crib. Her mind already on matters of the flesh, Terri spun around to face her lover, and their passions exploded as they moved into each other's arms, a flurry of kisses and desire.
FIN
Tell me your thoughts on Noemí at Passionatetyger@aol.com, and thank you for reading it!
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